THE BUGLIONI FAMILY has been making wine since 1993, when they purchased an old farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in Corrubbio di San Pietro in Cariano in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico region.
GOAL: To produce wine that is known not only for its quality but also as a true expression of its origins
TRADITION: Estate vineyards (114 acres) of vines planted to the traditional indigenous varieties of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, Oseleta, Croatina and Garganega
QUALITY: All grapes are hand-harvested and only 40 percent of the harvested grapes are used to produce Buglioni’s wines
PERSONALITY: Wine with a distinct personality that is grounded in respect for the environment and for local winemaking traditions
BALANCE: Wine that will show its true character as it ages over time
HISTORY
In June 1993, Alfredo Buglioni purchased an old farmhouse surrounded by 3.89 hectares (9.6 acres) of vineyards and 2 hectares (4.9 acres) of olive groves in Valpolicella Classico, northwest of Verona, Italy. Alfredo, his wife, Gabriella, son Mariano, and Mariano’s family, had been living in a larger village, and were ready to move to the more-relaxing countryside in Corrubbio di San Pietro in Cariano, one of five villages that comprise the Valpolicella Classico region. After only two months in the Buglionis’ new home, and without any knowledge of how to prune, harvest or store the precious wine grapes surrounding their farmhouse, the vineyards were ready to be harvested. Initially, each vintage was a joyous event shared with friends and collaborators, but soon the Buglionis’ vision and passion allowed them to dream that they could become “real” winemakers.
In 2000 — after renovating the farmhouse and its underground cellars — the Buglionis turned to the prestigious Oenology Institute of San Michele all’Adiage in Trento, Italy, to find a young enologist to join them in their new adventure as wine producers. Diego Bertoni took up the challenge and is still their enologist today.